NIDA and AstraZeneca, a global research-based biopharmaceutical company, have joined efforts to explore a novel medication to treat drug addiction. The scientific partnership will explore a specific molecule that modulates the activity of glutamate – an excitatory neurotransmitter. Preclinical studies with this class of molecule indicate that it could be effective for treating a range of mental disorders, including abuse of substances ranging from tobacco to cocaine.
A key strategy of NIDA’s medications development program is to work with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to translate basic research findings into medications that treat drug addiction. Further details on NIDA’s efforts in this area can be found at: www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/organization/divisions/division-pharmacotherapies-medical-consequences-drug-abuse-dpmcda.
For more information, contact the NIDA press office at media@nida.nih.gov or 301-443-6245.